Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed suggestions that the government is laying off workers recruited through the Public Works Department, arguing instead that many employees have voluntarily stopped reporting to work.

Responding in Parliament on Tuesday to concerns raised by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, Browne said reports that some workers had been sent home should not be interpreted as a government decision to terminate staff.

According to the Prime Minister, between 700 and 800 people were recruited as part of an initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and providing opportunities for individuals who might otherwise struggle to secure jobs.

“We have a problem. A number of them don’t want to work,” Browne told lawmakers.

He said recruits were assigned to duties including road maintenance, roadside cleaning, beautification projects and repainting government buildings.

Browne explained that the programme was designed to accommodate a broad cross-section of unemployed individuals, including some considered vulnerable or at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.

“We sought them out. We wanted to provide them an opportunity to work,” he said.

The Prime Minister said attendance issues have been widespread, with some employees failing to report consistently and others abandoning the jobs altogether. He also claimed that some individuals attempted to retain other employment while seeking government jobs without fully committing to their assigned duties.

Despite the challenges, Browne said the government intends to continue creating opportunities for vulnerable young people.

“We’re not going to give up on them,” he said.

He added that providing employment remains an important part of the government’s efforts to keep young people engaged in productive activities and away from crime.